Floods are a natural disaster that leave the affected area in a bad shape. Tropical Storm Ketsana flooded Manila in the year 2009 and learning from the whole incident Francis Santos-Viols designed the LC-1 Amphora. It has been seen that when floods withdraw, debris in huge amounts are left back on the roads that pose a lot of difficulty when it comes to cleaning up the area.

LC-1 Amphora

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LC-1 Amphora

LC-1 Amphora: Aquatic debris removal craft by Francis Santos-Viola

The name Amphora has been inspired from storage vessels, which were used on ancient Greek ships. LC-1 Amphora is supposed to be a debris retrieval craft, which can be deployed immediately. It will prove to be of utmost help when it comes to clearing floating debris that too before the flood water recedes. This will not only reduce time required to clean debris, but will also be helpful in case of cleaning aquatic environments. The seaworthiness of the design was further made strong by designing the product together with Raymund Puso, who is a naval architect by profession.

The design was made in a way which had five essential traits, which are capacity, durability, efficiency, utility and velocity. The holding area in the design can be split into four compartments when it comes to sorting debris. It is lined industrial strength nets, which give it the much required strength and can be removed with the help of a crane fitted towards the aft. The collected debris can be transported and removed at a disposal site. LC-1 Amphora is a practical design and will prove to be exceptionally useful in areas that are affected by floods.

Via: Svfranck.daportfolio

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Biking is an excellent way to minimize your carbon footprint. This green tagged arrangement is steadily gaining popularity and bike sharing systems are popping up in many places. As the name itself suggests, bikes in these systems are rented out to people who return them back to stations after use. There are basically two types of bike sharing systems. Community systems are managed by non-profit organizations and local groups while the Smart systems are administered by government bodies and public-private ventures. Most of these systems have electronic gear for easy access and booking, GPS installations for tracking and ample of parking lots all over the city. But the basic function of these systems is to make green commute affordable. A few such nifty sharing systems have been enumerated below.

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Sky is the limit for technological innovation. The same seems true now for social networking and the devices dedicated for it. From portable devices to mobile phones, all are being developed with the element of socializing well in mind. Now, the same idea finds place in a socially dedicated to it camera called “Levo.”

Levo Digital camera

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Levo Digital camera

Levo Digital camera by Jake Amies

This hi-tech camera comes with advanced features for editing and you can even download apps from outside developers to make the experience worth remembering. Hitting the iron when hot, the Levo has been designed at the perfect time, identifying a new socializing product opportunity that makes use of the ability to download applications for performing tasks on-demand. The aim was to create an easy to use hand-held product for which users never have to think twice before taking it along.

Another user friendly feature of the product is the color of its interface and band could be customized to give it a more personal feel. You can download new apps and effects and capture moments with your applied effects. Editing of the content could be done right on the camera and you can share your precious moments right away. Its touchscreen interface enables easy usability with only one physical button to operate.

Via: Jake Amies

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The Elite Baccarat Self-Aware Casino Table is created by Control Group in collaboration with Walker Digital Games. During the reign of King Charles VIII, the casino table game was introduced into France from Italy. To create a higher house advantage and deliver a better player experience, the Elite Baccarat Self-Aware Casino Table enhances the game of the traditional Baccarat. By increasing game speed and eliminating losses due to counterfeit chips and miscalculated payouts, the table ensures a fair game play for both the player as well as the house.

Elite Baccarat Casino Table

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Elite Baccarat Casino Table

Elite Baccarat, Self-Aware Casino Table

After they have seen the first four cards, elite baccarat offers exciting new bets and lets players enjoy the traditional game of baccarat. To see which bets are available, players can check their personal screen and ask the dealer to place their bets. After they have seen the first four cards, the player can switch their original bet to the other side or raise the original bet. Players can then place a bet on Player or Banker.

According to the probability of each bet winning, Elite Baccarat will pay odds according to the commission structure of the traditional game of baccarat since it has the same drawing rules. To maximize dealer performance, the Elite Baccarat Self-Aware Casino Table also transmits data to a networked system and creates insights for targeted marketing and optimizes revenue.

Via: Control Group

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Being wheelchair bound is no longer as disabling as it was a few years ago with high tech wheelchairs allowing people with lower limb disabilities the opportunity to live life on the same level of functionality a able bodied people. However, reaching up to higher shelves still remains a challenge for the wheelchair bound which is why the Tek Robotic Mobilization Device can be a real lifesaver.

Tek Robotic standing wheelchair

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Tek Robotic standing wheelchair

Tek Robotic Mobilisation Device standing wheelchair

Led by Necati Hacikadiroglu, a team of Turkish scientists developed the standing wheelchair that opens up a whole new world of independence and mobility for the wheelchair bound. Since most public places are not designed to be accessible to people with lower limb disabilities beyond the mandatory access ramp, the Tek Robotic Mobilization Device can help the disabled do their own shopping, wash their hands and use the same washrooms as able bodied people, sit on a chairs and move through narrow passages.

The standing wheelchair can help the disabled access shelves and counters that are otherwise not accessible from the seated position of a regular wheelchair. Whether it will be approved for sales to the masses remains to be seen though the Tek Robotic Mobilization Device is currently undergoing clinical trials.

Via: Uber Gizmo

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Innovation has stretched from cars to the stars then why not bars? Bar is a place where there’s no “bar” on good spirits and flamboyance. Therefore it’s only reasonable that this feel good shows in the bar’s physical ambiance as well. Lighting is one way to accomplish this manifestation. Bars often make use of colorful and fancy lighting to create that “lounge” mood. We would pretty much agree that a common sighting. But how about lights which are purposely created for thrill and special effect rather than just lighting? What’s more? What if the special effect was dependent on the drink you order? That’s what the Subway Shaker means to accomplish.

Subway Shaker

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Subway Shaker

Subway Shaker by Djordje Cukanovic ChuDes

Djordje Cukanovic from Roma, Italy has created this unique lamp that serves as a shaker. Imagination is the preview of life’s attractions and going by the statement the designer imagined to create a novel project worthy of winning a special prize in an International design contest. The light creates a charming aura all over with special effects that not only cheer up the place but gives a new sense to lights and lighting.

The light consists of two parts, one that contains liquid and other that support lights. After filling liquid to the container, it is closed by screwing the two pieces to form a ball. It is crafted beautifully using aluminum, Led light and spherical shaped glass. The rolling light creates an effect of “light in movement” with the color of light matching the color of your cocktail. Receive your drink in style as it rolls over from the bartender to you rousing excitement and exhilaration from all ends.

Source: Chu-des

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Developed by NASA in collaboration with auto giants General Motors, this robotic glove is a testament to the common ground between astronauts and automotive engineers. Known informally as the Robo-Glove, the Human Grasp Assist device is derived directly from a 2011 project called the Robonaut 2. The glove is developed to reduce the amount of force required to hold tools and use them in outer space or in intense factory conditions.

Robo-Glove for astronauts

The glove can also reduce the risk of stress injuries caused by repetitive tasks and make manual labor less intensive for assembly workers in a factory or astronauts outside the space station working in a pressurized suit. During an operation, these workers require over 15-20 lbs of force to hold a tool though the glove can help reduce this load to just 5-10 lbs. The upper section of the glove is laced with sensors that keep track of when the wearer is grasping a tool.

Robo-Glove for astronauts

Until the sensors are released, synthetic tendons keep clamping down. Fitted with a display for diagnostics and programming as well as actuators and control electronics, the current version of the glove (which is in fact the second-generation of the prototype itself) weighs around two lbs or just under a kilo. A belt-clip is used to mount the lithium-ion battery for the glove.

Reducing bulk and weight, a third-generation prototype of the Robo-Glove is already being perfected by NASA and GM who reveal that workers in the near future could benefit from this technology.

Via: Slash Gear

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In today’s fast paced world where laptops, computers, tablets and smartphones have become indispensable, we are always in need of a plug socket to charge them. To cater to this dire need of the society atelje Lyktan came up with an inventive solution to this day to day problem by creating a lamp with an electric socket. Besides solving the problem of recharging it also gives a pleasing artistic look to the entire process. Stockholm designers from their design studio “Form Us with Love” came up with this simple and aesthetic plan for the Swedish brand ateljé Lyktan keeping in mind the present need of the society where people are always looking for a plug socket to charge their laptop and phones.

Plug Lamp

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Plug Lamp

Plug Lamp has a integrated electrical socket into the base of the lamp

This company was found in 1934 by Hans and Verna Bergstrom, which makes lighting for both indoor and outdoor use highlighting the Swedish design in his creations. This plug lamp has an opal glass top which is bulbous in shape and the bottom is made in molded and powder coated aluminum. It is here that the electric socket is integrated making it all the more decorative. The light is obscured by the opal glass shade and you can also control the brightness of the lamp according to your requirement.

This plug lamp is best suited for public places like hotels, restaurants, cafes, etc. where people are very often seen searching for an electric socket to charge their electrical devices. It is also perfect to be used at home as a night lamp on a bedside table. These lamps are available in stunning green, red, black, gray and white colors.

This inimitable lamp was exhibited last month by the designers of “Form Us with Love” at their “Form Us with Friends” exhibition last month. This lamp not only efficiently caters to the need of recharging but also helps us to get rid of the everyday process of finding a socket or unplugging to use an electric point.

Via: Dezeen

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The watch design by Lloyd from Australia is a perfect blend of motivation, inspiration and a pinch of creativity. Christened as “Hi Five,” the designer says the pattern of light on the grooves of a vinyl record inspired him to think about this creative piece of art. The watch displays both time and date in a digital pattern. The four digits flaunted around a “record” present both time and date, imitating light falling on a record’s grooves.

Hi-Five LED watch

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Hi-Five LED watch

Hi-Five LED watch with MP3 player

Red light glowing at the corner on bottom left side of the watch indicates that the display is representing date. Upper two digits signify date and lower digits signify month. The display without red light indicates time with hours on the upper part and minutes on the lower part.

The watch could be juiced up via computer as it is USB rechargeable. Not forgetting about the greener side, the strap of the watch has been made using eco friendly material. The LCD display of the watch remains on all the time. You can add style to it by choosing a funky strap as it comes with a variety of colored straps in plain as well as trendy record patterns. The same holds true for LED display as well.

Coming to the next attractive feature the watch can also double as an MP3 player. This one of its kind watch design would definitely appeal to people who love music, records and eccentric things.

Via: Tokyoflash

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Sony Mobile Communications has rolled out another smartphone which will be the all new addition to its list of Android based Xperia phones. Xperia Sola is a touchscreen smartphone with a difference, which will steal hearts not only with its good looks but functionality/features as well.

Xperia Sola

Sola will be powered by Android 2.3 operating system, which will later be upgrading later to Android 4.0. The good looking gadget puts forward a 3.7 inch reality display that will give let the user savor some real sharp clarity. Powered by a 1GHz dual core processor, expect super fast browsing. It will feature a 5 megapixel camera, which will capture pictures tagged with clarity. If you have been craving to experience clear and loud sound, then the 3D surround sound audio technology will do exactly as desired.

Sony Xperia Sola also comes with two SmartTags, just like Xperia S. These SmartTags will let users alter the phone’s settings by merely touching the gadget. But, what you must really look forward to is an all new technology called Floating Touch. This cool technology is just magical, as it will let you navigate the web by just hovering your finger over the screen without even touching it. The hovering finger will work like a moving cursor, which will do the needful without having to tap on the phone.

So, it’s time to say goodbye to touchscreens and welcome the magical Xperia Sola smartphone that will unfurl a totally fun way to browse. The phone is expected to hit the market somewhere in the second quarter of 2012.

Via: Dvice

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